Personal Migraine Toolbox

Before I get to what I use for my migraines, allow me to once again apologize for not posting since September. I have written several posts but haven't published them because I nitpick myself and for me, they were technically difficult to write - as in, I had brain fog while trying to write them and I pushed myself to do it anyway, but all that came out was "HURR DERP DURDY DUR."  Well, probably not those words exactly, but I'll revisit those blogs later.

Secondly, I've not had internet access for a couple of weeks.  There was NO WAY I was going to write a blog post on my Droid as wordy as I am prone to get.

Thirdly, the AHDA has put out an action alert for a petition that ya'll need to be signing:  Urge Congressional hearings on the impact of migraine and headache disorders.  These are the points that we went over during 2010's Headache on the Hill event in Washington, D.C.  Please sign and forward to your pals!  Repost on Facebook or G+!

All right.  Now that those things are out of the way, I can continue with my post.  I wanted to describe my migraine toolbox, because I just haven't done so yet and it's sometimes important for others to see how you deal with migraine not only on an attack by attack basis, but also on a daily basis.  I have migraines 28 days per month, so it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to try and prevent them...And not just by swallowing pills either, as I am learning.

For prevention I am currently taking:
Gabapentin 900MG (anti-epileptic)
Propranolol 40MG (Beta blocker)
Lexapro 10MG (anti-depressant)
B Complex (supplement)
Vitamin D3 1000iu (supplement)
Multivitamin  (supplement)
Aspirin 162MG (prevention and for PFO closure devices)

Botox injections - I receive these on a quarterly schedule.  My first set worked wonders initially, but the second set did not work as well.  I am still scheduled for my third set, and I hope to see improvement again since it worked once already.

For abortives, I take DHE injections with Zofran.  Sometimes I am allowed triptans if the DHE and a subsequent round of steroids do not work for a particularly bad cycle.  However, I cannot take them all the time due to rebound issues.  If I take a triptan I will also use Aleve as triptans amplify my allodynia.

In addition to medications, I have also had to make dietary changes which include abstaining from refined sugars and flours, as well as anything breaded, or any pastas.  Earlier in the year I initially lost 25 pounds on what I refer to the "migraineur's Atkins" (with other restrictions on foods that the diet actually OKs per my headache specialist).  Somewhere along the way I fell off the wagon a little bit.  I haven't gained the weight back, yet, but I have a lot more to lose.  Will a healthy weight help my migraines?  I don't know, but I know that a healthier diet benefits some of my other health problems as well as lowering my chances for heart attack and stroke.  So, I need to work harder in this area now.  I also make sure to drink a lot of water.  Dehydration can be a huge trigger for some migraineurs.  My one weakness is still coffee, though I drink a controlled amount every day around 20 ounces.  My meals are also pretty much scheduled because missing one means a migraine too.

Exercise.  This is pretty difficult as well, but since the introduction of the Propranolol my migraines have actually eased up a little.  They are not as severe and as a result, I have been able to walk and hike more often.  There will be times when I will be unable to get exercise, but I still try when I can.

Counseling.  I see a therapist once a week.  It helps to get everything out to a neutral third party.  I am clinically depressed and sometimes have suicidal thoughts, so these appointments help me avert what could otherwise could be a crisis.  In response to seeing a counselor, I have a more positive outlook on life.  I feel like I can do, instead of simply respond.

Sleep.  I practice sleep hygiene.  This means I wind down at night at the same time every night, and this now includes taking a hot bath some nights to relieve the pain of fibromyalgia from my back and legs. I take a few sleeping medications and I make sure I go to bed at a consistent time and wake up at a consistent time.  If I sleep even a couple of hours past my usual wake up time now, I will trigger into a migraine.  I try not to take naps, either, but I will if I am too sick to remain upright.

For attacks that are particularly bad, I will take a Xanax and try to go to sleep with a heating pad and an eye mask, because I am severely photosensitive.  I am also using biofeedback.  I am less sensitive to scents depending on what kind it is (heavy perfumes and colognes will make me sicker, however), but lavender aromatherapy can sometimes help me relax as well.

Basically, my life revolves around one huge scheduled awareness of what my body is doing at all times, and I see it slowly responding to my efforts.  It's not easy, but controlling migraines means that you don't wait for the medication to come to you - while medications can be highly effective, migraine is also about making lifestyle changes that are sometimes very difficult, but also very necessary.  These changes might seem overwhelming, or frightening at first, and they didn't happen immediately overnight for me.  This has been a year-long process, almost, and it will be far longer before I feel successful.

I have a full toolbox, but it no longer intimidates me.